CN114449984A

CN114449984A - Tampon press and shaped tampon

Info

Publication number: CN114449984A
Application number: CN202080067286.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·布施豪斯; D·L·金博尔; L·罗比; N·布鲁克斯; P·摩根; J·斯坦布里奇
Original assignee: Johnson and Johnson GmbH
Current assignee: Johnson and Johnson GmbH
Priority date: 2019-09-27
Filing date: 2020-09-25
Publication date: 2022-05-06
Also published as: BR112022005793A2; CA3155898A1; EP4034062A1; AU2020354523A1; WO2021058755A1; JP2022549695A

Abstract

A press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget, the press comprising: a central cavity arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. The main longitudinal axis of the press passes in the middle of the central cavity and a plurality of penetrating dies are arranged radially around the main longitudinal axis. Each through die has a press face on at least one segment of its side facing the central cavity. The press includes at least one cam to actuate the plurality of penetration dies. Further, the plurality of penetration dies includes at least one penetration die having a press face with a first profiled longitudinal profile and at least one penetration die having a press face with a second profiled longitudinal profile. Also disclosed is a shaped tampon and the use of such a shaped tampon.

Description

Tampon press and shaped tampon

Technical Field

The present invention relates to intravaginal tampons, such as catamenial absorbent tampons for feminine hygiene. In particular, it relates to a press for producing such tampons having a through-die with a profiled pressing face; tampons made therefrom; and a digital tampon having a shaped profile providing a variable cross-section.

Background

Intravaginal tampons have been used for decades. There are two types of tampons on the market, digital tampons and tampons that require an applicator. Typically, digital tampons are formed by radially compressing a blank with a set of jaws, while applicator tampons are formed by molding the blank. Both types of tampons have a generally cylindrical shape, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

The digital tampon may be inserted manually without an applicator. They have a clean smooth surface; however, the rigidity required to create the finger insertion of the compression column created within the tampon pledget by the press jaws may be uncomfortable for some consumers. Applicator tampons may not have this stiffness issue; however, they require the use of applicators and generate additional waste.

It is also important to consider that the tampon may change position while in place according to the wearer's activity (e.g., movement, or even coughing). This may create discomfort and even leakage if the new position of the tampon is not adapted.

Leakage protection and wearing comfort are two important benefits for the consumer.

Shaped tampons have been proposed to meet these requirements. These existing shaped products are required to more precisely match the wearer's anatomy and thus provide better protection against bypass leakage, reduce discomfort and generally more effectively remain in place within the vagina.

EP1267782B1 by Procter & Gamble Company discloses a cylindrical tampon that radially expands into an elliptical cross-sectional shape when exposed to a wet environment. The tampon is rolled into an oval cross-section blank which is compressed into the cylindrical tampon by the press jaws.

US20140265026a1 by Eveready Battery Company discloses a tampon having spirally shaped longitudinal grooves and press jaws for shaping the tampon.

US8574210B2 to Ontex hygienetikel Deutschland discloses a tampon having longitudinal grooves and press jaws for shaping it.

EP1759678a1 by Ontex hygienetikel Deutschland discloses a tampon having longitudinal grooves and press jaws for shaping a mushroom-shaped tampon.

EP2900467a1 by Kimberly-Clark world discloses a press nip for tampon formation. The press jaws are designed to reduce the area of the compression surface in contact with the tampon as the press moves inward.

US9622919B2 to Johnson & Johnson GmbH discloses a method for forming a shaped tampon having a radial forming process starting from an intermediate blank. The semi-finished tampon pledget is pushed into a mold to obtain its final shape by expansion. Several alternative shapes are disclosed. The compressed wadding may contain grooves, but US9622919B2 does not mention the effect of controlled expansion on the grooves.

EP2712594B1, EP2712595B1 and EP2712596B1 of Johnson & Johnson GmbH disclose tampons with deeply intersecting grooves; the grooves are continuous in EP2712595B1, separate in EP2712596B1 or may represent 150% of the length of the wadding in EP2712594B 1. EP2712594B1 further discloses an embodiment with a post-processing step in which the grooves are formed using a fine tooling die or calendar rolls. The tampon is disclosed as being cylindrical and having a circular cross-section. Also disclosed is a tampon press that utilizes adjacent sets of jaws that pass through the same press space during manufacture. The press nip includes two sets of penetration dies, each set having a penetration face corresponding to the shape of the channel section.

EP1680062a1, EP1686941a1, EP1485053B1, EP1485054B1 and EP1485055B1 to Procter & Gamble disclose tampons having a serpentine outer surface. The tampon has an insertion end region; a draw-out end region; and a central region. The insertion end region has an insertion end fiber density. The draw end region has a draw end region fiber density. The central region has a central region fiber density. The insertion end region has a greater fiber density than the central region. The disclosed shaped tampons have regions of varying average fiber density. The groove pattern is not discussed and tampons having a non-circular cross-section are not disclosed.

US8684987B2 to Procter & Gamble discloses a self-orienting tampon having a non-circular cross-section. The tampon includes a self-contained, fluid-expanded, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, thickness and length. The width may be greater than the thickness, and the aspect ratio of the width to the thickness may be greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0: 1. The groove pattern and the curved profile of the outer surface along the longitudinal length are not disclosed.

US20040199137a1 by Peter j.b. lamb discloses a tampon comprising an elongated absorbent body that is non-circular in profile in end view. US20040199137a1 further discloses a tampon having an angular orientation relative to its longitudinal axis. The groove pattern and the curved profile of the outer surface along the longitudinal length are not disclosed.

US8474114B2 to Ruggli Projects discloses a method of forming steps that complete a process for producing tampons produced from absorbent materials. The at least one groove is embossed onto the circumferential surface of the tampon by radially compressing at least one region of the tampon which extends along the circumferential surface of the tampon, the groove plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. The cross-sectional perimeter and outer surface profile are not discussed. No longitudinal groove pattern is disclosed.

US5370633 to Josue j. villlta discloses an anatomically shaped tampon. The body has a pair of side ridges connected to an intermediate wall forming an outer configuration similar to capital letter H. One end of the tampon pledget includes an outwardly open chamber to fittingly receive the cervix, thereby restricting movement of the tampon pledget. The cross-section of which remains the same along the length of the tampon pledget. Specific cross-sections and external surface profiles are disclosed. The trench pattern is not mentioned.

While some of the above examples describe presses to produce tampons having different profiles or groove configurations, these tampons have a conventional cylindrical shape.

Furthermore, the above examples do not provide an indication of the press configuration required to achieve tampons having complex longitudinal or radial shapes.

Despite all the shaped tampons proposed in the prior art, there is still a need to address the major consumer problem: comfort in wear and leakage avoidance.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is proposed to solve these problems by providing a shaped tampon which is adapted to the female anatomy and shows good fluid absorption properties.

It has been found that a shaped tampon having a shaped longitudinal profile and an oval cross-section over at least a portion of its length can provide a better fit to the wearer's anatomy and thus increase the wearer's comfort without compromising fluid absorption characteristics.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget. The press includes a central cavity arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. The main longitudinal axis of the press passes in the middle of the central cavity and a plurality of penetrating dies are arranged radially around the main longitudinal axis. Each through die has a press face on at least one segment of its side facing the central cavity. The press includes at least one cam to actuate the plurality of penetration dies. Further, the plurality of penetration dies includes at least one penetration die having a press face with a first profiled longitudinal profile and at least one penetration die having a press face with a second profiled longitudinal profile.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for forming a tampon comprising the steps of: introducing a tampon blank in a press according to the present disclosure; actuating the first set of penetration dies; actuating a second set of penetration dies; partially exiting the first set of penetrating dies to a transfer position, thereby allowing a front portion of the compressed tampon pledget to pass through the partially exiting set of penetrating dies; partially exiting the second set of penetration dies; and ejecting the compressed tampon pledget from the press to a carrier device.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a shaped tampon obtained by a press according to the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a shaped tampon having a combination of a groove pattern and a radially and longitudinally varying outer shape.

In a first aspect, a shaped tampon according to the invention has a longitudinal axis, an insertion section with an insertion tip, a withdrawal section with a withdrawal end, which insertion section and withdrawal section converge through a central section, and each section comprises a plurality of grooves,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the contour of the insertion section in the axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the major axis is not equal to the minor axis; and the maximum axial cross-section,

the profile of the insertion section is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane,

the grooves on the insertion portion extend from the central portion to the insertion tip and merge in the dome-shaped insertion tip.

In a second aspect, the shape of the tampon according to the invention provides a guiding insert to facilitate its correct and comfortable positioning.

In a third aspect, tampons according to the invention have a higher expansion portion on the insertion portion of the tampon pledget, and therefore most absorption occurs in the less sensitive areas of the vagina, thereby increasing consumer comfort.

In a fourth aspect, the tampon according to the invention is flexible and provides increased wearing comfort, although its structural strength needs to be stable upon finger insertion.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a side view of three embodiments of a penetration die. For each embodiment, a pair of dies is shown. Each embodiment has a different shaped profile.

Fig. 2 is a radial view of a press including eight through dies. The radial view is according to a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a press including eight through dies and a compressed tampon. The penetration die is in an open configuration. The grooves have been omitted from the tampon for clarity.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view corresponding to fig. 3, wherein the penetration die is in a closed configuration. For clarity, the two penetrating dies have been omitted so that the tampon is visible.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a split composite through die. The front component is located on the right side of the view and the rear component is located on the left side of the view. The press face is directed upwardly.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of eight composite penetration dies arranged radially in an open configuration.

Fig. 6B is a perspective view corresponding to fig. 6A, showing only the front piece of the composite penetration die.

Fig. 6C is a perspective view corresponding to fig. 6A, showing only the back piece of the composite penetration die.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of eight composite penetration dies in a radial arrangement in a closed configuration.

Fig. 7B is a perspective view corresponding to fig. 7A, showing only the front piece of the composite penetration die.

Fig. 7C is a perspective view corresponding to fig. & a, showing only the back piece of the composite penetration die.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a composite penetration die engaged with a tampon. The front and back parts of the composite piercing die are both in a closed configuration, creating a substantially continuous channel made of two sections.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the two rear components of the composite penetration die engaged with a tampon.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the front component of two adjacent composite penetration dies and the back component of one composite penetration die positioned to create diverging channels on the outer surface of an absorbent tampon pledget. The rear part of the composite through-die is shown in the front of the figure and is coloured in grey.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a series of 6 tampons, according to one embodiment of the invention. Tampons are identified by letters from a to G, from the left to the right of the picture.

Fig. 12 is a side view of a wrapped tampon.

Fig. 13 is a front plan view of a tampon in an unwrapped configuration, with a withdrawal string extending therefrom.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an axial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of a tampon according to the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a view showing an axial cross-sectional view of the withdrawal portion of a tampon according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a superimposed view showing axial cross-sectional views of the insertion portion and withdrawal portion of a tampon according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention. Its insertion tip is directed rearward and downward; and its pull-out end in the foreground. Also its withdrawal string protruding from the withdrawal end is indicated.

Detailed Description

As used in the specification and claims:

the term "profiled longitudinal profile" and variants thereof relate to the configuration of the edges of the object considered along the longitudinal axis of the press;

"contoured" means that the edge of the object is not straight over its entire length; it may bend, possibly several times. In other words, the profiled contour may comprise a concave curve or a convex curve, alone or in succession in one or more curves. It may also comprise one or more straight portions associated with one or more curved portions;

the term "tampon blank" and variations thereof relate to uncompressed tampon material;

the term "pledget" and variations thereof relate to a pad or compression of absorbent material, such as fibers, designed to absorb bodily fluids. "tampon pledget" or "absorbent tampon pledget" refers to a compressed absorbent material after compression of a tampon blank in a press;

the term "groove" and variations thereof relate to indentations in the surface of the tampon pledget. For clarification, the grooves may be "through grooves" extending at least 0.7mm (or 10% radius, whichever is larger) into the tampon pledget, or they may be "shallow grooves", primarily surface indentations, without significant penetration (no more than 0.7mm, no more than 10% radius) into the tampon pledget body. The regions between the grooves may take the shape of ribs;

the term "adjacent" and variations thereof relate to elements that are positioned side-to-side and do not contact each other. It is preferred that the ends do not contact each other, as it will generate friction and heat, and may be detrimental to the proper operation of the press at high speeds;

the term "tip" and its variants relate to the end of the press face according to its narrow longitudinal dimension;

the term "bifurcation" and variants thereof relates to a line that splits into two portions or branches, such as a "Y" shape;

the term "radial plane" and variants thereof relate to a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the press;

the term "partially disengaged" from a set of penetrating dies means that the dies remain engaged with the front portion of the compressed tampon pledget, but may be retracted in a manner sufficient to allow an ejector device (e.g., ejector rod) to push the compressed tampon pledget outside the press without the ejector device contacting the penetrating dies;

the longitudinal axis X-X of the shaped tampon is defined as the axis passing through the centre of the insertion tip and the withdrawal tip;

an axial cross-section, defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X, is shown in fig. 14 to 16;

a longitudinal cross-section is defined as a plane including a longitudinal axis;

an ellipse can be mathematically defined as a closed conical section shaped as a flattened circle and formed by an inclined plane that does not cut the base of the cone. The elliptical profile may be as shown in fig. 14;

the term "maximum axial cross-section" of the insertion portion is defined as the axial cross-section at which the circumference of the insertion portion reaches its maximum;

the term "minimum diameter" is the distance between two points corresponding to the intersection of the elliptical minor axis and the elliptical contour;

the term "maximum diameter" is the distance between two points corresponding to the intersection of the major axis of the ellipse with the outline of the ellipse; and is

By "major side" is meant the side parallel to the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the insertion portion as defined above.

In one embodiment, a press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget, the press having a central cavity with a major longitudinal axis of the press passing intermediate the central cavity; a plurality of penetration dies arranged radially about the major longitudinal axis; and at least one cam that actuates the plurality of penetration dies. The central cavity is arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion. Each through die has a press face on at least one segment of its side facing the central cavity. At least one of the through dies has a press face with a first profiled longitudinal profile and at least one of the through dies has a press face with a second profiled longitudinal profile. The front portion corresponds to the insertion tip of the tampon pledget and the rear portion corresponds to the withdrawal tip of the tampon pledget. The first and second profiled longitudinal profiles may be different.

Having a shaped longitudinal profile on the through-die pressing face can produce a tampon pledget having a shaped profile. When several different longitudinal profiles are used, a tampon pledget having a complex longitudinal profile and potentially a non-circular cross-section can be produced over at least a portion of the tampon pledget. These shaped tampons are believed to provide enhanced comfort to the user by having a shape that is more suited to the vaginal configuration than straight cylindrical tampons.

Fig. 1 illustrates three pairs of through dies 100a, 100b, 100c having press faces 102a, 102b, 102c with three different profiled embodiments of the press face pairs.

The plurality of penetration dies may be arranged about the major longitudinal axis X-X in opposing sets of penetration dies. In this configuration, at least one set of opposing penetration dies may be arranged with opposing press faces disposed at 180 ° from the major longitudinal axis.

In particular embodiments, at least one set of opposing penetration dies can be arranged to have two press faces opposite one press face; or alternatively, one press face moving toward the gap between two other press faces, and the opposing set of penetration dies can include an even or odd number of penetration dies.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, three opposing sets of penetrating dies are arranged radially around the central cavity 104 of the press 100. A first set of two opposing penetration dies 100a has a large maximum gap between opposing press faces 102a, a second set of four opposing penetration dies 100b has a medium maximum gap between opposing press faces 102b and a third set of two opposing penetration dies 100c has a minimum maximum gap between opposing press faces 102c (as shown in fig. 1).

Fig. 4 corresponds to fig. 3, in which the penetration die is engaged in the tampon pledget 106 along the longitudinal axis X-X. For clarity, fig. 4 has omitted two penetration dies.

Preferably, at least one set of opposing penetration dies may have an even number of penetration dies. In a further preferred configuration, at least one set of opposing penetration dies may have at least four penetration dies disposed about the major longitudinal axis.

The press according to the invention may have an even number of opposite sets of piercing dies. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 1-4, the press may have at least 3 different sets of opposing piercing dies.

In a preferred arrangement, the groups of opposing press faces may be identical within an opposing set of through dies. In further preferred configurations, as shown in fig. 1-4, the press faces of an opposing set of through dies can have axial symmetry. In other words, in a preferred arrangement, the pressing faces of the opposing set of through dies may have at least one plane of symmetry, preferably two planes of symmetry.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a press for forming absorbent tampon blanks incorporates a longitudinally divided through-die, thereby creating a set of composite through-dies. The composite through-die has two components: a front part and a rear part. The front pieces of the composite through dies are grouped together and referred to as a front group. The back components of the composite through die are grouped together and referred to as the back group.

The leading group is arranged and configured to shape the insertion end of the tampon.

The rear group is arranged and configured to shape the withdrawal end of the tampon.

The use of a composite penetration die enables the production of complex shaped tampons, since the penetration dies of the front and rear portions of the shaped tampon blank may be different and may be operated in a non-simultaneous manner. This may be relevant as the central cavity has limited space and will only provide the possibility to operate a limited number of press faces at the same time.

Referring to fig. 5, an embodiment of a composite penetration die comprising a front piece 200 and a back piece 202 is shown. As shown in fig. 6A, 6B, and 6C, all of the composite penetration die front pieces 200a-200h will comprise the front group (or composite penetration die front group), as shown in fig. 6B. Thus, all composite penetration die back pieces 202a-202h will comprise the back group (or composite penetration die back group), as shown in fig. 6C. Fig. 6A discloses how the front and rear groups may be arranged along the longitudinal axis.

The above-described configuration of the penetration die allows the front and rear sets to be independently actuated. This particular configuration allows more degrees of freedom of operation of the press according to the invention and can be achieved, for example, by operating a first cam of the front group and a second cam of the rear group.

In one embodiment, all of the penetration dies may be composite penetration dies.

In one embodiment, at least two of the composite penetration die front parts are identical, e.g., 200c and 200 g. Again, the composite penetration die front sections may be arranged in opposing sets.

In one embodiment, a press according to the present invention may also include at least two identical composite penetration die back parts, such as 202a and 202 e. Again, the composite through die back parts may be arranged in opposing sets.

In one embodiment, the press comprises at least two composite through dies having a back part pressing face and a front part pressing face, the pressing faces positioned to create a substantially continuous channel made of two sections on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget; the ends of the two press faces are adjacent at the point of connection.

Referring to fig. 5, in this embodiment, two ends 204, 206 of composite penetration die front part 200 and two

ends

208, 210 of composite penetration die back part 202 are indicated. Each press face will have two types of ends: outer ends 206, 208 and

inner ends

204, 210 of the front and rear members, respectively. The ends that form the substantially continuous groove are contemplated in this embodiment to be the two interior ends 204, 210, as these ends act on the tampon blank and define the attachment point for the subsequent groove.

The attachment point may be located approximately in the central portion of the tampon blank. The central portion means 25% to 75% of the length of the tampon pledget, preferably 40% to 60% of the length of the tampon pledget; wherein said length is considered in terms of the longitudinal axis.

In a particular embodiment, the press has a plurality of composite penetration die back parts having pressing faces that are not parallel to the major longitudinal axis, and preferably the pressing faces are arranged helically. This arrangement increases the length of the grooves, thereby increasing the path of any fluid along the tampon and thus reducing the risk of leakage.

In an alternative embodiment, all composite penetration die front pieces may have a press face parallel to the major longitudinal axis. This configuration may reduce the ejection force necessary to remove the wadding from the press.

In another embodiment, a press according to the present invention may have at least two adjacent composite through dies having a front part pressing face and a back part pressing face without connection points. Thus, the at least two composite through dies may have a front component pressing face and a back component pressing face that do not create a substantially continuous groove on the outer surface of the tampon pledget.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, two composite through-die components 202' opposing each other across the longitudinal axis X-X are joined in a tampon pledget 206. The grooves 302 created by the two composite penetrating die back part 202' are located on the back portion 214a of the tampon 212 and are not continuous with any grooves located on the front portion of the tampon. They simply terminate in a central portion 216 of the tampon 212.

Referring to fig. 10, the press faces 102 of at least two adjacent composite penetration die front components 200 '(also shown in fig. 8 and 9) and the press face of one composite penetration die back component 202' (also shown in fig. 8 and 9) may be positioned to create a bifurcating groove made of three sections (shown in fig. 8 and 9) on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget: one rear channel section 304 and two front channel sections 306; the inner extremities of the three press faces are adjacent to the connection point 308 of the groove and are located at the position identified at the intersection point 218. In more detail, three penetration dies: one penetration die back section 202 'and two penetration die front sections 200' are shown in a closed position. The press face 102 extending between the

ends

204, 206 of the composite penetration die back part 202 'is arranged and configured to form a withdrawal end portion 304 (see fig. 8) of a bifurcated trough and the press face 102 extending between the two ends 208, 210 of two associated composite penetration die front parts 200' is arranged and configured to form an insertion end portion 306 (see fig. 8) of a bifurcated trough.

The press according to the invention may comprise at least 2 sets of composite penetration dies positioned with their pressing faces creating at least two diverging grooves on the outer surface of the absorbent tampon pledget.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the press may comprise at least two, preferably four, preferably six, and most preferably eight composite penetration die front parts having a press face with a profiled longitudinal profile.

Furthermore, the press according to the invention may have a composite penetration die front part comprising a press face having at least two different profiled longitudinal profiles.

More specifically, the profiled longitudinal profile of the press face may be curved, thereby creating a concave profile on the press face.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a press wherein said connection points of the two pressing faces of the composite penetration die are positioned so as to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two sections, and said three pressing faces of the composite penetration die positioned so as to produce a diverging groove made of three sections are not all contained in the same radial plane.

Alternatively, the invention may relate to a press wherein the connection point of the two pressing faces of the composite penetration die is positioned to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two sections, and said three pressing faces of the composite penetration die positioned to produce a diverging groove made of three sections are all contained in the same radial plane.

The location of the attachment points of the various grooves that may be on the tampon pledget may have an effect on the flexibility of the tampon. In some instances, it may be beneficial to provide a tampon with improved flexibility, or in other words, a tampon that can be bent along its longitudinal axis. Tampons of this type are believed to provide increased comfort to the wearer.

The method for producing a shaped tampon pledget according to the present invention may include the steps of: introducing a tampon blank in a press according to the present disclosure; actuating the first set of through dies to compress the tampon blank with the first set of pressing surfaces; actuating the second set of through dies to compress the tampon blank with the second set of pressing surfaces; partially exiting one set of penetrating dies to move the corresponding press face into a transfer position, thereby allowing the front portion of the compressed tampon pledget to partially exit the second set of penetrating dies through the partially exiting set of penetrating dies; and ejecting the resulting compressed tampon pledget from the press to a carrier device.

A preferred process for producing a shaped tampon according to the invention may comprise the following steps: introducing a tampon blank in a press according to the present disclosure; actuating the composite through-die front component to compress the pre-pledget portion with the press face of the composite through-die front component; actuating the composite through-die back component to compress the post-pledget portion with a press face of the composite through-die back component; partially exiting the composite through-die back part to release a post-pledget portion from a press face of the composite through-die back part; partially detaching the composite penetration die front part; evacuating the compressed tampon pledget from the press to a carrier device; and completely separating the front part and the rear part of the composite penetration die.

The composite penetration die front piece of the present invention can be actuated in a non-simultaneous manner. In other words, not all of the penetrating die front components engage the tampon blank at the same time. The space in the central cavity is limited and it may happen that, in some configurations, all the penetration dies cannot be fully engaged with the tampon at the same time; in such cases, it may be desirable for some of the penetration dies to at least partially disengage before other penetration dies can compress the tampon blank. The same configuration can be made for the post-penetration die part, i.e.: the composite penetration die back components can be actuated in a non-simultaneous manner.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention may refer to a shaped tampon produced with a press as described in the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 11, the shaped tampon 10 is an elongate compressed fibrous pledget extending from a circular insertion portion 12 to a withdrawal portion 14 having withdrawal threads 16 extending therefrom. These may be enclosed in a primary package 18 having a line of weakness or tear line 20 to enable opening of the wrapper 20 for removal of the closed tampon 10. A series of tampon views illustrate an exemplary tampon through approximately 180 ° of rotation and illustrate the formation and changing of cross-sectional dimensions around the tampon. Tampons A, B, C, E, F and G show the larger side of their insertion portion. Tampon D exhibits a smaller side of its insertion portion. Tampons A, B and F are wrapped in primary package 18. The tear line 20 for opening the package is indicated by the black curve. Tampons C, D, E and G were unwrapped. A withdrawal string 16 is located from each tampon, respectively, below the withdrawal portion 14 of each unwrapped tampon 10.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the wrapped tampon 10. This shows the side profile of the insertion section 12. Fig. 13 shows a front plan view of the tampon 10, showing the larger profile of the insertion portion 12. The tampon 10 of fig. 12 and 13 has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves 22 with ribs 24 disposed therebetween. Fig. 12 illustrates a truncated groove 22' and fig. 13 illustrates a bifurcated groove 22 ". The combination of diverging grooves 22 "and the truncated grooves 22' enable compression as described above to provide the unique elliptical cross-section of the insertion portion 12 of the tampon 10 of the present invention.

The outer oval shape shown in fig. 14 represents the perimeter of the tampon insertion portion 12. Eight lines orthogonal to the oval perimeter indicate the location of the groove 22 on the insertion portion 12.

The circle shown in fig. 15 indicates the periphery of the tampon withdrawal portion 14. Eight lines orthogonal to the circular periphery indicate the position of the groove 22 on the extraction portion 14. .

Fig. 6 is a superposition of fig. 4 and 5. The circular withdrawal portion 14 is centrally located in cross-section and extends laterally outwardly of the insertion portion 12. The longitudinal axes of the two portions are registered. The position of the grooves 22 at both the insertion and extraction portions is represented by lines orthogonal to the oval or circular perimeter and grouped to show the position of the diverging grooves 22 "and the truncated grooves 22'.

A shaped tampon has a longitudinal axis, an insertion section with an insertion tip and a withdrawal section with a withdrawal end, which are connected by a central section and each comprise a plurality of grooves, wherein the insertion section 12 has a contour in an axial cross-sectional plane of a substantially elliptical shape with a major axis and a minor axis, and the major axis does not equal the minor axis. The insertion section 12 has a maximum axial cross-section and the profile 12 of the insertion section is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane. The grooves 22 extend from the central portion 26 to an insertion tip 28 on the insertion portion 12 and they converge towards the dome-shaped insertion tip 28.

It is believed that this particular shaped profile is adapted to the vaginal anatomy and gives the tampon inside the vaginal cavity better positioning and easier insertion. Upon insertion, positioning, and if the consumer changes position, the tampon will automatically rotate along its longitudinal axis to match the vaginal wall configuration as the tampon pledget is worn. This provides improved positioning for the user and may provide comfort improvements over prior art tampons. Improved positioning may also reduce the risk of leakage.

Also, this particular shape of the tampon according to the invention may result in a higher expansion of the insertion portion on top of the tampon pledget and therefore a large part of the absorption may occur in areas where the vagina is less sensitive, thereby increasing consumer comfort.

In another embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the longitudinally opposite sides 40 of the contour of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the longitudinal cross-sectional plane are substantially parallel.

In other words, in this embodiment, the withdrawal portion of the tampon may have a profile of any shape in the axial cross-sectional plane, but said profile remains constant when the axial cross-sectional plane is considered to move along the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the contour of the withdrawal part according to the axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular.

In this embodiment, the withdrawal portion of the tampon may have a contour of circular shape in the axial cross-sectional plane, but the contour perimeter varies when the axial cross-sectional plane is considered to move along the longitudinal axis. For example, the withdrawal portion of the tampon may have an hourglass, conical or hemispherical shape.

In a preferred arrangement, the extraction portion may be substantially cylindrical.

In a preferred embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the central portion 28 comprises a shoulder 42, at which the insertion portion 12 and the withdrawal portion 14 transition.

More precisely, the shoulder may be located between 1/4 and 3/4 of the length of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

Even more precisely, the shoulder may be located between 1/3 and 2/3 of the length of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

The shoulder may also be located between 1/3 and 1/2 of the length of the longitudinal axis of the tampon, where 1/3 designates the first third of the length of the tampon from the insertion tip 28.

In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder may be located substantially at the center of the longitudinal axis of the tampon.

It is believed that these particular ratios between the lengths of the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion produce a shaped tampon that will be particularly suited to the vaginal anatomy, and will help prevent leakage and increase the wearing comfort of the shaped tampon.

In a preferred configuration, the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion may be positioned between the central portion 26 and 0mm from the insertion tip 2810 along the longitudinal axis.

Alternatively, in another preferred configuration of the invention, the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be located between 281 mm and 10mm from the insertion tip along the longitudinal axis.

In a particular embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the length of the minor axis of the largest axial cross-section of the insertion section 12 is equal to or lower than the diameter of the withdrawal section 14 according to the axial cross-section.

It is believed that these ratios between the diameters of the insertion portion 12 and the withdrawal portion 14 may produce a shaped tampon 10 that is particularly suited to the vaginal anatomy, and will help prevent leakage and may increase the wearer comfort of the shaped tampon 10.

In another particular embodiment of the shaped tampon according to the invention, the smallest diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion section 12 can be at least equal to the diameter of the withdrawal section 14 according to the axial cross section.

More particularly, the minimum diameter of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be equal to the diameter of the extraction portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

Alternatively, the minimum diameter of the maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 may be lower than the diameter of the extraction portion 14 according to the axial cross section.

In another configuration of the shaped tampon 10 according to the present invention, the maximum diameter of the largest axial cross-section of the insertion portion 12 may be superior to the diameter of the withdrawal portion 14 according to the axial cross-section.

In another embodiment of the invention, the ratio between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter of the largest axial cross section of the insertion portion 12 ranges from 1:1 to 1: 4; advantageously from 1:1.5 to 1: 2.5; preferably from 1:1.7 to 1: 2.0.

These ratios between the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter are among the parameters defining the elliptical shape of the axial cross section of the insertion portion 12. It is believed that these diameter ratios are well suited for vaginal anatomy and will help prevent leakage and may increase the wearing comfort of the formed tampon 10.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least two, preferably at least four grooves 22 present on the insertion portion 12 are offset from the grooves 22 present on the extraction portion 14.

According to this configuration, a difference in the groove pattern of the insertion portion and the extraction portion can be created, which will participate in the discontinuities of the overall groove pattern at the shoulder position, such as the truncated grooves 22' and the diverging grooves 22 ″. It is believed that the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the invention is facilitated, thus increasing the wearing comfort for the user.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the at least four grooves present on the insertion portion may be comprised in a first set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes and the at least four grooves present on the withdrawal portion may be comprised in a second set of at least two longitudinal cross-sectional planes, wherein these at least four longitudinal cross-sectional planes may be different from each other.

In other words, the first set of longitudinal cross-sectional planes as defined above may be free of grooves located on the withdrawal portion. The second set of longitudinal cross-sectional planes as defined above may be free of grooves on the withdrawal portion.

This particular arrangement may participate in the discontinuities in the groove pattern at the shoulder locations. It is believed that the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the invention is facilitated, thus increasing the wearing comfort for the user.

In another embodiment of the invention, the number of grooves on the insertion portion is from three to twelve, advantageously from six to ten, more preferably eight.

In another embodiment of the invention, the number of grooves on the extraction portion is from three to twelve, advantageously from six to ten, more preferably eight.

In a particular configuration, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be the same as the number of grooves on the extraction portion.

Alternatively, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be different from the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of grooves on the insertion portion may be four, and the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion may be four.

In another preferred configuration of the present invention, the number of the grooves on the insertion portion may be eight, and the number of the grooves on the extraction portion may be eight.

As described above, the grooves 22 may be created by a digital tampon manufacturing process as the tampon pledget is compressed by the press jaws. This compression creates the column strength necessary to impart longitudinal rigidity to the tampon pledget, allowing it to be inserted finger-wise into the vaginal cavity. The grooves 22 are also believed to help direct menstrual fluid and help prevent leakage. The number of grooves 22 may be determined by the manufacturing process and the diameter of the tampon 10.

Thus, the number of grooves 22 may reflect the difference in stiffness of each portion of the tampon or the difference in fluid absorption characteristics of each portion. The grooves may also be a unique feature of the tampon pledget, creating a pattern that is recognized by the consumer and helps distinguish competing tampons.

In the present embodiment, at least two grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 each converge to one groove 22 on the withdrawal portion 14, from a radial angle α by a shoulder on the central portion 26₁To another radial angle alpha₂(as shown in fig. 6) to form an offset trench.

In other words, there may be at least two grooves 22, each extending longitudinally from one end of the tampon pledget to the other end through the insertion portion 12, shoulder 42, and withdrawal portion 14.

In a particular configuration of the invention, the four grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 may each converge to one groove 22 on the withdrawal portion 14 by a shoulder located on the central portion 26.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least two pairs of grooves 22 "on the insertion portion each converge to one groove 22" on the withdrawal portion 14 by a shoulder 42 on the central portion 26.

In other words, the groove pattern on the shaped tampon may exhibit at least one pair of diverging grooves 22 "having a" Y "shape. Two grooves on the insertion portion may converge with one groove on the withdrawal portion. This pattern may be repeated at least twice to provide one or more pairs of diverging channels 22 ".

It should be noted that the word "converging" relates to the direction of the grooves, not to the depth. The surface appearance of the converging grooves of a shaped tampon according to the present invention may be continuous, but the actual depth of the grooves on each part may be similar or different, and the converging grooves will have a smaller depth at the shoulder position than they do on the insertion part or withdrawal part.

An example of a bifurcated trench according to the present invention can be seen in fig. 13.

In particular arrangements of the invention, at least two of the bifurcating grooves may be symmetrical, with one bifurcating groove on each side of the shaped tampon.

In addition, the shaped tampon may have two symmetrical bifurcating grooves, one on each side of the tampon.

This very specific configuration may participate in the discontinuity in the groove pattern at the shoulder location. It is believed to contribute to the longitudinal flexibility of the tampon according to the invention. Longitudinal flexibility means that this particular groove pattern can create an ankle at approximately the shoulder location. This flexibility of the tampon pledget can be an advantage to the consumer because it will provide additional comfort, but will not interfere with the longitudinal column strength required for finger insertion.

In another embodiment, the two grooves of the two pairs of grooves on the extraction portion converging respectively onto the insertion portion lie in a plane defined by the two axes of maximum axial cross section of the insertion portion, the longitudinal axis and the minor axis of the ellipse.

In other words, the bifurcating grooves or "Y" shaped grooves may be located on the large side of the formed tampon, as can be seen in fig. 13.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention has at least one truncated groove 22' on the withdrawal portion 14 that does not converge on any groove on the insertion portion 12.

In a preferred arrangement, at least two grooves 22' on the withdrawal portion 14 do not converge to any grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12.

The at least two truncated grooves 22' on the extraction portion 14 may lie in a plane defined by the two axes of maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion, the longitudinal axis and the major axis of the ellipse.

According to another possibility of the invention, the absence of grooves on the insertion portion may lie in a plane defined by the two axes of maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion, the longitudinal axis and the major axis of the ellipse.

In another arrangement, no grooves on the insertion portion may lie in a plane defined by the two axes of maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion, the longitudinal axis and the minor axis of the ellipse.

In an embodiment of the invention, the grooves 22 on the insertion portion 12 are approximately evenly distributed.

The grooves 22 on the extraction portion 14 may also be approximately evenly distributed.

The term "approximately uniform" is to be understood as a regular or equivalent spacing between each pair of adjacent grooves, with a 0.2mm, preferably 0.1mm, margin of error.

Alternatively, the grooves 22 on the insertion section 12 may also be distributed unevenly.

A uniform groove distribution 22 may be advantageous to achieve uniform compression of the fibers, but in some cases the opposite (i.e., non-uniform distribution) may be desirable to create different compressed regions in the same tampon pledget. This may affect the column strength of the tampon and its absorbency properties (capacity, speed).

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the fiber density of the insertion portion is better than or equal to the fiber density of the withdrawal portion.

In a more precise configuration, the fiber density of the insertion portion may be 80% to 120% of the fiber density of the withdrawal portion. Alternatively, the fiber density of the insertion portion may be within 120% to 200% of the fiber density of the withdrawal portion.

This uniformity of fiber density along the length of the shaped tampon pledget according to the present invention may be achieved by varying the amount of raw material in the construction of the tampon blank prior to compression.

Having a uniform density can provide uniform fluid absorbency along the tampon pledget; the insertion portion with a higher fiber density may contribute to a higher expansion at the top of the tampon and therefore most of the absorption will occur in the less sensitive areas of the vagina, thereby increasing consumer comfort.

The present invention also relates to the use of a shaped tampon according to any of the embodiments disclosed above for collecting menstrual fluid.

The foregoing description and embodiments have been presented to aid in a complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosed herein. Since many modifications and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A press for forming an absorbent tampon blank into a shaped tampon pledget, the press comprising: a central cavity arranged and configured to receive an absorbent tampon blank having a front portion and a rear portion; the main longitudinal axis of the press passes in the middle of the central cavity; a plurality of penetration dies, each penetration die having a press face on at least one segment of a side thereof facing the central cavity, and the plurality of penetration dies arranged radially about the major longitudinal axis; and at least one cam that actuates the plurality of penetration dies, wherein:

at least one of the through dies has a pressing surface with a first forming longitudinal profile, and

-at least one of the through dies has a pressing face with a second profiled longitudinal profile.

2. The press of claim 1, wherein the plurality of penetration dies are divided longitudinally, creating a set of composite penetration dies having two components: a front component and a back component, and all of the front components of the composite through die comprise a front group and all of the back components of the composite through die comprise a back group.

3. The press of claim 2, wherein the front set and the rear set are independently actuated.

4. A press according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein all of the penetration dies are composite penetration dies.

5. The press of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least two composite penetration die front pieces are identical.

6. The press of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least two composite penetration die back parts are identical.

7. The press according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least two of the composite penetration dies have a back piece pressing face and a front piece pressing face positioned to create a substantially continuous groove made of two sections on an outer surface of an absorbent tampon pledget, the ends of the two pressing faces being adjacent at a connection point.

8. The press of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a plurality of the composite penetration die back members have pressing faces that are not parallel to the major longitudinal axis.

9. The press of claim 8, wherein the press face is helically arranged.

10. The press of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein at least two adjacent composite through dies have a front part pressing face and a back part pressing face without connection points.

11. The press according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the pressing faces of at least two adjacent composite penetration die front parts and the pressing face of one composite penetration die rear part are positioned to create a diverging groove made of three sections on the outer surface of an absorbent tampon pledget, the ends of the three pressing faces being adjacent at a connection point.

12. The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least 2 of the composite penetration die front pieces have a press face with a profiled longitudinal profile.

13. The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least 4 of the composite penetration die front pieces have a press face with a profiled longitudinal profile.

14. The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least 6 of the composite penetration die front pieces have a press face with a profiled longitudinal profile.

15. The press of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least 8 of the composite penetration die front pieces have a press face with a profiled longitudinal profile.

16. A press according to claim 7 or any claim appended thereto, wherein the following connection points

-the two press faces of the composite through-die positioned to produce a substantially continuous groove made of two sections, and

-the three press faces of the composite penetration die positioned to produce a bifurcated trench made of three sections,

not all included in the same radial plane.

17. A method for making a shaped tampon pledget, comprising the steps of:

-introducing tampon blanks in a press according to any of the preceding claims,

-actuating a first set of penetrating dies to compress the tampon blank with a first set of pressing faces,

-actuating a second set of penetrating dies to compress the tampon blank with a second set of pressing surfaces,

-partially exiting one of the sets of penetration dies to move the corresponding press face to a transfer position, thereby allowing the front portion of the compressed tampon pledget to pass through the partially exiting set of penetration dies,

-partially exiting said second set of penetration dies, and

-ejecting the resulting compressed tampon pledget from the press to a carrier device.

18. A method for making a shaped tampon pledget, comprising the steps of:

-introducing tampon blanks in a press according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon,

-actuating the composite penetration die front part to compress the pre-pledget portion with the press face of the composite penetration die front part,

-actuating the composite penetration post-die component to compress a post-pledget portion with a pressing face of the composite penetration post-die component,

-partially exiting the composite penetration post-die component to release the post-pledget portion from the press face of the composite penetration post-die component,

-partially exiting the composite penetration die front part,

-ejecting the compressed tampon pledget from the press to a carrier device, and

-completely exiting the composite penetration die front part and the composite penetration die back part.

19. A shaped tampon having a longitudinal axis, an insertion part with an insertion tip, a withdrawal part with a withdrawal end, which insertion part and withdrawal part are connected by a central part and each part comprises a plurality of grooves,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the contour of the insertion section in an axial cross-sectional plane is an ellipse having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the major axis is not equal to the minor axis; and the maximum axial cross-section,

the contour of the insertion section is curved in at least one longitudinal cross-sectional plane, and

the grooves on the insert portion extend from the central portion to the insert tip and merge in a dome-shaped insert tip.

20. The shaped tampon according to claim 19, wherein longitudinally opposite sides of the contour of the withdrawal portion according to a longitudinal cross-sectional plane are substantially parallel.

21. The shaped tampon according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the contour of the withdrawal portion according to an axial cross-sectional plane is substantially circular.

22. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the central portion contains a shoulder at which the insertion portion and the withdrawal portion transition.

23. The shaped tampon according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion is between the central portion and 10mm from the insertion tip along the longitudinal axis.

24. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the smallest diameter of the largest axial cross-section of the insertion portion is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the withdrawal portion, according to the axial cross-section.

25. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the ratio between the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion ranges from 1:1 to 1:4 according to axial cross-section.

26. The shaped tampon of claim 25, wherein a ratio between the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5, in terms of axial cross-section.

27. The shaped tampon according to claim 26, wherein the ratio between the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion ranges from 1:1.7 to 1:2.0 according to axial cross-section.

28. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 27, wherein at least two of the grooves present on the insertion portion are offset from the grooves present on the withdrawal portion.

29. The shaped tampon of claim 28, wherein at least four of the grooves present on the insertion portion are offset from the grooves present on the withdrawal portion.

30. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 29, wherein the number of grooves on the insertion portion is from 3 to 12 and the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion is from 3 to 12.

31. The shaped tampon of claim 30, wherein the number of grooves on the insertion portion is from 6 to 10.

32. The shaped tampon of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the number of grooves on the insertion portion is 8.

33. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion is from 6 to 10.

34. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the number of grooves on the withdrawal portion is 8.

35. The shaped tampon of claim 22 or any claim appended thereto, wherein at least 2 grooves on the insertion portion converge to one groove on the withdrawal portion, respectively, via the shoulder on the central portion.

36. The shaped tampon of claim 22 or any claim appended thereto, wherein at least 2 pairs of grooves on the insertion portion each converge to 1 groove on the withdrawal portion, respectively, via the shoulder located on the central portion.

37. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 36, wherein 2 grooves on the withdrawal portion that respectively converge on 2 pairs of grooves on the insertion portion lie in a plane defined by the following 2 axes:

-said longitudinal axis and

-an elliptical minor axis of the maximum axial cross-section of the insertion portion.

38. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 37, wherein at least one groove on the withdrawal portion does not converge to any groove on the insertion portion.

39. The shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 38, wherein the grooves on the insertion portion are approximately evenly distributed.

40. The shaped tampon according to any one of claims 19 to 39, wherein the fiber density of the insertion portion is better than or equal to the fiber density of the withdrawal portion.

41. Use of a shaped tampon according to any of claims 19 to 40 for collecting menstrual fluid.